Chelsea transfer news: Dortmund eye latest masterstroke with Tuchel issue prompting Ian Maatsen move
Borussia Dortmund are seeking to plunder Chelsea for versatile left-back Ian Maatsen, and a report has revealed a Thomas Tuchel issue that could spark a deal.
The Dutch youth international, 20, has just one senior Chelsea appearance to his name. That came in the EFL Cup in the 2019/20 campaign, with the following two seasons seeing loan spells sanctioned.
Maatsen featured regularly at Charlton Athletic last season before linking up with Coventry City in the Championship this year.
Maatsen has featured in 40 league games for the sky blues, with the vast bulk of those starts that resulted in 90 minute outings.
He is a left-back by trade, though has showcased his versatility to great effect. He has operated most frequently at left wing-back and has also played in the front three on occasion.
Given Chelsea could lose Marcos Alonso to Barcelona this summer, one might expect Maatsen to be retained next year.
Ben Chilwell may take time to get up to speed following his ACL injury. A decision is also yet to be made regarding Emerson Palmieri with his loan spell at Lyon unlikely to result in a permanent move.
But according to German outlet Bild, Thomas Tuchel is yet to be convinced by the rising star.
Tuchel trust not yet earned
Their claims are relayed by Sport Witness who report Tuchel ‘does not yet trust’ Maatsen. As such, he is seeking to sanction another loan deal for next season.
But Borussia Dortmund reportedly have other ideas and are plotting a permanent move.
Dortmund’s defence will have an entirely different look next year. Centre-backs Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule have already agreed to join. They could pave the way for Manuel Akanji to join Arsenal.
But at left-back, Dortmund see potential in Maatsen and are now ‘intensively considering’ a swoop.
Maatsen would represent a ‘cost-effective’ option and could follow in the footsteps of some of the Premier League’s brightest talent who made their name at Dortmund.
Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham both became superstars of the game in the yellow and black. Dortmund now have hopes of luring Maatsen into walking that same path from England.
It’s important to note the report adds contact between Chelsea and Dortmund has not yet been established. However, he is high on their list of targets and an approach may soon be forthcoming.
What should Chelsea do with Ian Maatsen?
Maatsen has excelled with Coventry this year, though his lack of top flight experience would be a concern if retained in the Chelsea first-team.
If possible, the additional loan spell Tuchel desires would appear to be Chelsea’s best option. The Bild article did note that as a possibility, though Dortmund may only go down that route if an option to buy were inserted.
One thing is for sure, however. If Maatsen is to be sold on a permanent deal this summer, the Blues should strive to add a buy-back clause.
The list of talents Chelsea have let go who have quickly flourished elsewhere is a lengthy one. Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah are the classic cases cited. Though Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham are no less poignant examples in more recent years.
